Robert Irwin Reflects on Danielle Fishel’s DWTS Exit and Prepares for an Emotional Performance

Robert Irwin, the charismatic 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, expressed profound sadness following the elimination of his friend Danielle Fishel from the competition. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly after the November 4 episode, Irwin described himself as “absolutely gutted” and “devastated” by Fishel’s departure. He shared that among all the contestants, the 44-year-old “Boy Meets World” actress had become one of his closest friends throughout the DWTS experience. Irwin praised Fishel’s authentic nature and infectious positivity, noting how she could instantly lift the spirits of everyone in the room. Despite his disappointment about her exit, he acknowledged the significant positive impact she had made through her performances, saying she “should be so proud of herself” for what she accomplished during her time on the show.

Irwin’s professional dance partner, Witney Carson, shared similar sentiments about Fishel’s elimination. The 32-year-old dancer described Fishel as “such a class act” with a genuine warmth that made everyone around her feel better. Carson particularly appreciated Fishel’s maternal protective nature, which created a comfortable environment for everyone backstage. “Every time I go into makeup or hair, her genuine smile just makes me feel better,” Carson told Us Weekly, highlighting the profound impact Fishel’s presence had on the DWTS community. Both Irwin and Carson emphasized how deeply they would miss having Fishel’s encouraging presence in the ballroom as the competition continues into its final stages.

Fishel and her dance partner Pasha Pashkov were eliminated after delivering a contemporary routine to Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” which earned them a respectable score of 34 out of 40 from the judging panel, which included Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough, and guest judge Flavor Flav. In a particularly bitter twist, Fishel had also been part of “Team Chicago,” which had achieved the season’s first perfect score during the team competition portion of the evening. Despite this achievement, it wasn’t enough to save her from elimination, underscoring the increasingly competitive nature of the show as it progresses toward the finale. The elimination came as a shock to many viewers and contestants alike, especially considering Fishel’s steady improvement throughout the season.

While processing their friend’s departure, Irwin and Carson remain focused on their own journey in the competition. The pair successfully avoided elimination and are now preparing for next week’s 20th birthday celebration episode, which promises to showcase a different side of Irwin’s dancing abilities. Carson teased that their upcoming performance will be “completely different” from anything they’ve presented so far in the competition. She acknowledged the challenge this presents, noting they’ll have to “start again from the bottom and work our way up.” However, Carson remains optimistic, referencing judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s feedback that this is an opportune moment for them to build momentum. The professional dancer plans to push Irwin with more challenging choreography, believing that this approach “always pays off in the end” as the competition intensifies.

Irwin offered additional insight into their upcoming performance, describing it as “really emotional” and deeply personal. Without revealing too many details, he explained that the dance will tell a “story of loss and legacy” that he believes will resonate with many viewers. Given Irwin’s family history—particularly the loss of his father, Steve Irwin, the famous “Crocodile Hunter” who passed away in 2006 when Robert was just two years old—this performance likely holds special significance. “It’s going to be a hard story to tell, but a story that I think is impossible to tell any other way,” Irwin shared, suggesting that dance offers him a unique medium to express feelings that might be difficult to articulate otherwise. He expressed confidence that the choreography will beautifully capture the complex emotions associated with navigating profound loss while honoring someone’s legacy.

As “Dancing With the Stars” season 34 continues to unfold, viewers can catch the show on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. The competition is heating up with each elimination bringing contestants closer to the coveted mirrorball trophy. Fans of the show can further engage with the season through a fantasy league created by Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv, where they can predict which dancing pairs will make it to the finale. The initiative offers enthusiasts access to exclusive content, statistics, and opportunities to win prizes, creating an interactive experience that extends beyond simply watching the show. As Irwin prepares for his emotional upcoming performance and continues to navigate the competition without his friend Fishel, viewers eagerly anticipate how the remaining contestants will rise to the challenges ahead in their pursuit of ballroom glory.